ICAST 2014 Coverage - Abu Unleashes the Beast and other freshwater reels

ICAST 2014 Coverage

Abu Garcia Unleashes the BEAST!

Date:	7/16/14
Location:	Orlando, FL
Admission:	Buyers & Press Only
Manufacturer:	Abu Garcia
Reviewer:	Cal

Introduction: Each year we look forward to seeing what Abu Garcia has planned for the coming season with their new reel offerings. We caught up with Andrew Wheeler, Business Brand Manager, to get a first hand look on what he and the engineers at Abu Garcia have in store for us.

Unleash the Beast

Answering the call for those asking for greater line capacity is Abu Garcia's new Revo Beast!

Revo Beast: Packed with plenty of features, the new Revo Beast is built for the ultimate in strength and durability. This reel features a new aluminum alloy frame and sideplates for corrosion resistance, 7 HPCR bearings + 1 roller bearing, titanium coated sideplates for corrosion and scratch protection, Abu's Carbon Matrix drag system providing up to 22 pounds of drag pressure, Inifni dual braking system, Duragear brass gears, a titanium coated line guide and more.

This reel is aptly named

8 bearings inside this reel give a smooth feel

Built as a flipping and cranking machine, the Beast comes with a 7.1:1 gear ratio, is specified at 9.35 ounces in weight, and will be available in both left and right hand retrieve. It makes its debut this coming fall for an MSRP of $349.95.

The Beast features a swept aluminum handle with big, EVA knobs.

Orra Spinning Reels: Abu Garcia introduces a new family of spinning reels, the Orra. Each reel in this family features Abu's new Rocket Line Management system that consists of a new spool lip design, an altered bail angle, and a slow oscillation system. The result is improved line trajectory through the stripper guide and reduced line contact with the rod blank during the cast. The end result is improved casting distance and fewer wind knots.

Abu's new spinning reels for 2015.

Orra Power Finesse Spinning: The Orra Power Finesse spinning reel is intended as the ultimate tool for power finesse techniques. It features a wide spool design for enhanced line management even with fluorocarbon, an aluminum reinforced C6 carbon body, 8 HPCR bearings + 1 roller bearing, a 5.8:1 gear ratio delivering up to 36" of line retrieve per turn of the handle, and a Carbon Matrix hybrid drag system for smooth drag performance through the reel's range of adjustment.

Orra Power Finesse.

Orra SX Spinning: The Orra SX spinning reel features an Insert Molded C6 (IM-C6) carbon body design that fuses the gearbox with the body. This ensures perfect alignment of the gears in a lightweight housing. The reel is equipped with 8 HBCR bearings plus one roller bearing and Abu's new Rocket line management system that provides better casting control of all types of fishing line. The Everlast bail system provides improved durability and the reel's Carbon Matrix hybrid drag system is designed to provide smooth performance throughout the range. The Orra SX Spinning Reel will be available in four sizes (10, 20, 30, and 40) and will retail for an MSRP of $99.95.

Orra SX.

Orra S Spinning: The Orra S spinning reel shares the same great features of the SX but with 7 HPCR bearings instead of 8 and a full IM-C6 carbon body. The Orra S Spinning Reel will be available in four sizes (10, 20, 30, and 40) and will retail for an MSRP of 79.95.

Orra S.

Orra InShore Spinning: The Orra InShore spinning reel is a slightly more robust version of the others. This reel features an similar frame and body design as the Orra SX but comes with a machined aluminum, braid ready spool that prevents superlines from slipping so you can tie direct to the spool without backing. The Orra InShore Spinning Reel will be available in four sizes (30, 35, 40, and 60) and will retail for an MSRP of 129.95 ($149.95 for the 60 size).

Orra Inshore.

Thank you Andrew Wheeler for showing us what's up with Abu Garcia!

Conclusion: Abu Garcia always has something exciting brewing at ICAST. This year they addressed the needs of power fishermen with the Revo Beast, as well as budget anglers looking for a quality, affordable spinning reel. But that's not all they have planned. Wait until you get a gander of the rods they have in store for us!